Shergar Cup 2010

This is a bonus for everyone who's been following, a verdict on every single race at the Shergar Cup meet tomorrow, although be warned that none of these carry maximum confidence.

Shergar Cup – Saturday 7th August

Dash (2.10) – The booking of Christophe Soumillion for Prohibit is a huge plus point and it was very hard to side with him over SECRET ASSET but the latter has shown a good turn of foot this season and is closely matched with the former on the Steward’s Cup form.

Classic (2.45) - A race featuring plenty of 3-y-os going the right way. Yashrid is on a mark of 87 for winning a class 4 here last time while LIFE AND SOUL (win) is running off 82 for coming fourth in a Heritage Handicap at Goodwood last time, with 4 of these behind. Although well behind Christopher Wren 2 starts ago, he was hampered a crucial time while the latter is now running off a 6lbs higher mark than the King Edward. Operaremains very lightly-raced and is improving at a rapid rate but does have to give 3lbs to the selection, while whilst Sing Sweetly is another potential improver.

Mile (3.20) - VITZNAU (win) holds no secrets from the handicapper but ran a cracker behind Sea Lord at Goodwood and certainly has the talent to score here, with the booking of Oliver Peslier a potential game changer in a race where 6 or 7 are closely matched and well handicapped.

Stayers (3.55) - LADY ÉCLAIR (win) ran a tremendous race at the Glorious Goodwood meeting, shouldering top weight into fourth place in the marathon Goodwood Stakes (2m5f). The drop back in trip may not be ideal (given as she was eighth 5f out) but she could still be ahead of the handicapper.

Challenge (4.30) - EMERGING ARTIST (win) found 16f too far at Goodwood last week but has done little wrong otherwise of late, winning a handicap in good style 2 starts ago and running into a very progressive horse in the shape of De La Two at York last month.

Sprint (5.05) – GENE AUTRY (win) has it all to do under top weight but is in fine form and has bagged the rails draw, a crucial advantage here which cannot be emphasised enough. The drop back in trip could also be a deciding factor if Fran Berry decides to use up gas and dictate matters early.